WEBB CITY, Mo. (AP) - Although Webb City voters supported a smoking ban, the city council voted against implementing the ban in the southwest Missouri city.
The council voted 5-3 Monday night against the ban.
Webb City residents voted 452-348 on April 5 in favor of the ban. Mayor John Biggs said the vote was only a straw vote to guide the council.
Opponents had argued the ban infringed on the rights of citizens, particularly business owners. Proponents say smoking is a health issue even for non-smokers .
The Joplin Globe reports that the ban would have prohibited smoking in public places or places of work. Smoking would have been allowed in buildings used by dues-paying members and stores that primarily sell tobacco.
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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com